New properties flood Territory market

Thousands of new residential properties will be released in the Northern Territory by 2017 under a government plan to ease housing pressure.

The NT government's affordable housing initiative aims to add 2,000 new properties to the market over coming years.

According to minister for housing Matt Conlan, the initiative will hit the halfway mark by mid-2015.

As of 30 June 2014, 293 new properties had already been constructed.

“With several developments in the pipeline following negotiations with the private sector, we are also on track to be well ahead of our second-year target of 400 additional homes with a projected target of new dwellings to come onto the market during the next 12 months in excess of 750,” Mr Conlan said.

Some of the new projects underway include 60 new apartments in Coolalinga, 37 apartments in Farrar and 15 apartments in Rosebery.

The program aims to address affordability in the NT caused by a shortage of housing, according to Mr Conlan.

“These projects, along with our record land release program will significantly increase the overall supply of housing in the Territory and restore balance to the market,” he said.

According to RP Data, the Darwin median price is currently $580,000, making it the second most expensive city in the country.